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Episode 39. A Woman Beside Lapin

"Laaa-pin."

"…."

"Don't you think it's time to throw that away?"

I said, looking at the flower ring whose stem was so frayed it was about to break.

It had been a while since we left the southern coast, but Lapin still hadn't taken off the flower ring. Instead, he kept checking his finger and retying the loosening stem.

"I don't want to. Lucy made it for me."

If I'd known he'd like it this much, I would have bought him a real ring instead of a flower one.

Putting my regret aside, we continued traveling.

The road north wasn't too difficult. The provisions Triton had packed were plentiful, and the weather was mostly clear.

Lapin suggested that instead of going straight through the southern gate, we should look around the area first. Once I agreed, it became practically a Lapin-guided tour.

Majestic mountain ranges, wide parks, a large basin, and finally, an area where purple flowers bloomed beautifully.

As we sat there enjoying the breeze, Lapin put the broken flower stem into his pocket.

He should have taken it off a long time ago.

With the wilted stem gone, I felt relieved.

"Make me another one."

Just as I was admiring the flowers, Lapin held out his bare finger. I thought it was over, but it wasn't.

"Lucy, hurry."

I couldn't ignore his urging.

I picked the thickest stem from the purple flowers and tied it tightly around Lapin's finger. Only then did he seem satisfied, examining his palm with delight.

'Does he really like it that much?'

I wanted to adorn all ten of his fingers with flower rings. To cover his calluses and scratches with such splendid flowers.

"Shall we go now?"

Lapin held out his hand, unaware of my thoughts.

---

As soon as we arrived at the first village, Lapin booked a room at a nice inn.

It had a bed wide enough for three people to lie down, a purple carpet, a fine wardrobe, and a vanity. The clean bathroom even had warm water kept at a constant temperature by magic.

The room was satisfying, but it was also very expensive. Lapin didn't stop there — he only took me to restaurants and neat dining establishments.

"Isn't this too expensive?"

Whenever I worried, Lapin said it was needless concern and kindly showed me his purse. My worries disappeared immediately.

We rested on the first day, and from the second day, our village exploration began.

The village was a large town with most public facilities. Coincidentally, there was a festival, so the place was crowded with people from other regions.

Lapin left the horses and took me everywhere. We ate delicious food like yesterday, strolled down side streets, and went to see the market.

As we walked side by side, I spotted a jewelry shop.

'A ring.'

All the items displayed were accessories made of cheap ore, not jewels. But their appearance was delicate and refined, as if much care had gone into the design.

"…."

I stole a glance at Lapin's finger so he wouldn't notice. The purple flower stem ring was still dangling there.

The stem was thick, which is why it had lasted this long, but it would probably fall off tomorrow.

'…This is all the money I have.'

Having lost my wallet, all the money I had was what Lapin had given me.

It felt strange to buy a gift for him with his own money, but I still wanted to put a proper ring on his finger instead of a flower stem.

"Lapin, wait a moment."

He stopped walking and looked at me.

"What's wrong?"

"W-well… it's urgent."

I said, braving the embarrassment. Unfortunately, the only way to get away from Lapin was with a bodily function.

"Can you wait over there? I'll be right back."

I pointed to a spot next to a carriage.

"I'll put a tracking spell on you."

"You already put a protection spell on me."

"Lucy."

Lapin called me in a coaxing tone.

"…Fine, do it."

As long as there was nothing wrong with my protection spell, Lapin wouldn't be able to see my location.

I obediently let Lapin cast the tracking spell and quickly moved.

"I'll be back!"

Pretending to go toward the forest, I headed to the shop I'd seen earlier. He wouldn't follow, right?

After checking my surroundings, I entered the shop. There wasn't much time.

I quickly scanned each ring on display, looking for a design that would suit Lapin.

For his rough hands, something simple like this would be better than something flashy.

My searching eyes stopped on a thin gold ring.

"How much is this?"

"2 pesos. But miss, how about this one? It's also a popular item."

The owner, who had come to my side, held out a box he'd brought.

Inside the box were accessories more refined than those on display. Among them, a thick gold ring caught my eye — it seemed like it would suit Lapin's large hands perfectly.

"How much is this?"

"4 pesos. It's pretty, worth the price."

"Hmm."

"It's a magic ring, so it automatically adjusts to fit your finger."

4 pesos was half the money I had on hand.

"Then I'll take this one."

But what did that matter?

I wanted to give Lapin the most expensive ring I could afford.

After paying 4 pesos, the owner brought out a luxurious black case. I was a little surprised by the material — it looked like something an engagement ring would come in.

"That's a fancy ring case."

"It's free."

Ah. If it's free, there's no reason to refuse!

I tucked the ring case deep into my pocket so I wouldn't lose it.

"Good luck with your business!"

I quickly completed the purchase and stepped out of the shop.

Would Lapin like it?

When should I give it to him? Right now? Or maybe in the evening?

Lost in deep thought, I turned the corner.

"…?"

Lapin wasn't where he was supposed to be.

To be precise, a group of women I'd never seen before had gathered there. More precisely, Lapin was among them.

How many were there? Not one, but four, no five…

'Wow.'

A crowd of women had gathered in such a short time.

And all of them were elegant and beautiful. In particular, a brown-haired woman with hair down to her waist was strikingly beautiful. She seemed to have a good personality too, and her dress suggested she came from a wealthy family.

'What is this?'

Just because there was a pretty woman next to Lapin, my excited mood instantly deflated.

It was strange. I'd often imagined Lapin marrying another woman.

In the original story, Lapin had even married a princess. Sometimes I'd thought I'd feel a little wistful when he got married, but…

'Hmm.'

Seeing a woman beside him in person, I didn't feel good about it at all.

Not good at all.

'Why is that?'

If Lapin had smiled at that woman, I probably would have felt even worse. But fortunately — very fortunately — his face was as cold as ice.

Even when the woman giggled and spoke to him, he either kept his mouth shut or gave short answers.

My uncomfortable feeling eased a little.

'Let's go now.'

I should go to Lapin, but for some reason, my feet wouldn't move. Even though I felt better, my body still felt heavy.

When the woman's dress lightly brushed against Lapin, my heart tightened as if I were spying on a secret affair.

'I feel unpleasant.'

With emotions and body I couldn't control, I stood there helplessly, when—

"Lucy!"

Spotting me, Lapin loosened his stiff expression and strode over.

"I've been waiting."

The women's gazes also turned to me. Looking me over with half curiosity and half bewilderment, they muttered among themselves and moved away.

"You're back quickly."

Standing before me, Lapin welcomed me with a bright smile.

"I heard there's a bread shop you'd like over there."

"…."

"Lucy?"

Noticing my different expression, he asked.

"Where did you say that bread shop was?"

"Over there, let's hurry."

Lapin urged.

I let go of the ring case I'd been fidgeting with and pulled my hand out of my pocket.

'I'll have to postpone giving him the ring.'

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